Vauxhall has announced that the new VXR8 GTS model, based on Holden’s new GEN-F GTS, is available for order in the UK beginning from today.
Fitted with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that drives the rear wheels producing 576bhp – a whopping 150bhp more than the outgoing model, the new Vauxhall VXR8 GTS will be an interesting alternative to more expensive cars like the BMW M5 or the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.
The new supercharged LSA V8 (identical to that used in the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1) delivers 545 lb-ft (738 Nm) of torque, 140 lb-ft (190 Nm) more than the outgoing LS3-engined VXR8.
Although Vauxhall hasn’t released final acceleration figures, it hinted that the 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) time will be well below the 4.9 seconds achieved by the naturally-aspirated VXR8, largely due to the Eaton supercharger. Featuring 4-lobe rotors, 9 psi boost and 1.9 liters of air per revolution, the supercharger is said to provide the VXR8 with stronger and more linear performance across its entire rev-range.
The engine is mated to an MG9 spec 6-speed manual gearbox with oil cooler and twin-plate clutch, but there’s also an optional 6-speed automatic transmission available.
As far as the design is concerned, there are no surprises: the Vauxhall VXR8 GTS is simply a rebadged Holden GEN-F GTS. The new VXR8 GTS starts at £54,999 (€64,300) in the UK, with the first deliveries scheduled for the end of this year.
By Dan Mihalascu
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